Women’s Executive Network (WXN) has revealed its annual Top 100 award winners for Canada’s Most Powerful Women, and several influential women in the technology sector have made the list.

The Awards, co-presented by Scotiabank and KPMG were celebrated at a gala event at the Toronto Convention Centre. They encompassed a “Timeless” theme, highlighting the womens’ strength and leadership, and ability to become icons for future generations.

In addition to the Top 100 women, 13 women were also inducted into the WXN Top 100 Hall of Fame, including Heather Reisman, founder & CEO of Indigo Books & Music, and Betty DeVita, President, MasterCard Canada.

Here are some of the women in science and tech who made the list:

Dr. Aimee Chan, President & CEO, Norsat International

At the helm of this Richmond, BC-based satellite communications company that produces communications technology for transmitting data, audio, and video in challenging environments, Dr. Chan has led the firm to enjoy consistent revenue growth throughout her time there. She has more than 15 years of experience in executive management and R&D, with strength both on the corporate and technical sides of the business.

Dr. Chan has faced many barriers being at the helm of a technology company. She recalls a business trip to Korea with a male colleague whom everyone assumed was the CEO and she the assistant; or the time when a business partner asked if her father owned Norsat.

“These situations are frustrating,” she says, “but it helps to understand that, most of the time, this comes from of a lack of awareness. People make assumptions because women are still underrepresented in the boardroom. These attitudes and stereotypes will only change as more women take on roles of increased responsibility, profile and leadership.”

Dr. Elizabeth Croft, Associate Dean, Education and Professional Development, Faculty of Applied Science; Nserc Chair for Women in Science and Engineering, BC and Yukon Region, The University of British Columbia

From research on robotic systems, to founding WWEST (Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology), an organization that recruits women into science and engineering careers, Dr. Croft has an extensive tech background. She feels that the “implicit bias” that causes most to assume the “he” must be the engineer and the “she” the secretary tilts the playing field for females. And, she points out, the bias comes from both sexes.

“It leads to self-exclusion, self-doubt and stereotype threat, causing women to withdraw or perform below their potential,” she says. “This is real, measurable and scientifically proven. Change comes through awareness, role modeling and a concerted effort from both women and men…to put aside preconceptions and truly consider individual potential.”

Chameli Naraine, President & CEO, Symcor

She has spent 28 years as an executive/change agent, helping companies in fields ranging from manufacturing and technology, to financial

services.  Naraine suggests women not try to emulate a male leadership style, but rather take ownership in, and embrace their unique, more female, methods.

“Know your business and company end-to-end,” she suggests, “and create positive macro-level impact and value for the company. Have the courage to ask for those opportunities to build and earn your career into the C-suite.”

Sarah Devereaux, Partner, Dillon Consulting

With two decades under her belt as a civil engineer, Devereaux currently leads Dillon’s various activities with the federal government, ranging from waste management to the design and construction of landfills.

There are three leadership qualities she lives by: that the only person you can control is yourself, so lead by example to foster change; never give up on something you want; and “model your behaviour based on the position you want, not the one you have.”

Corrie Coe, Senior Vice President of Independent Production, Bell Media

Coe made the list as the women responsible for the development and execution of creative content across all genres from Bell Media’s two conventional networks, and its English specialty and pay channels.

It’s clear her leadership skills and ability to be a role model for women were evident from the get-go. In the early ‘90s, she recalls, “I was reprimanded by my boss for wearing pants to a client meeting and was told not to tell anyone about the reprimand. I promptly told everyone I could and continued to wear pant suits as often as possible.”

Elyse Allan, President & CEO, GE Canada

It’s no small accomplishment sitting at the top of such a large company in Canada, which deals in advanced technology, services, and finance.

While Allan is inspired by a variety of leaders and leadership styles, she is particularly amazed at company founder Thomas Edison’s “drive for technology innovation,” which she likens to that of Leonardo da Vinci. But notes that she’s worked for and with many great leaders during her time at GE.

She says: “I have learned that a good leader makes the difference in achieving success, leadership can be learned, your style can and should evolve, there are core beliefs that matter, and that leadership can translate across sectors and geographies.”

Says WXN founder Pamela Jeffery: “Despite ever-changing styles and tastes, great leadership is classic. Top 100 Award Winners are a testament to the incredible range of female talent and leadership in Canada and proof that change is happening, with more women earning a place at the highest levels of Canadian organizations.”

You can view the full list of WXN’s 2014 Canada’s Most Powerful Women at www.wxnetwork.com/top-100/top-100-winners.